BORRES WANTS TO KNOCKOUT KOREAN FOE

MINDANAOAN boxer Jeronil Borres now wants to knockout his Korean rival Joo Hyun Jung in their championship fight for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council flyweight title on February 11 at the Bomnae Gym in Chuncheon, South Korea.

“Kung puede i-knockout gagawiln ko para masiguro ko na ma iuwi ang korona sa Pilipinas,” said Borres.

Both Borres and Joo submitted 108 lbs. during the official weigh-in last Friday attended by promoter Thomas Lee of Art Boxing Gym and matchmaker Ulysses Sato.

“Maganda ang condition ni Borres,” said trainer Roy Sumile of Highlands Boxing Stable.

Borres was supposed to fight for the IBF World Youth flyweight championship in Indonesia last November 18. It was reset to December 6 but was later cancelled by the promoter.

“Malaki ang pag-asa natin Manalo dahil sa preparasyon na ginawa naming ni Borres,” said Sumile.

Borres has sparred with former world champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo and other stablemates at the Highland Gym.

Borres is toting seven wins against only one loss and one draw. His only loss was a controversial majority decision from the hands of Richard Claveras during their battle for the interim OPBF flyweight crown held Sept. 30 at the Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite.

Borres’ last victory was a unanimous decision against Jeven Villacite held Feb. 20 in Taguig City. After scoring five straight wins, Borres then settled a split draw with Salatiel “Pakyaw” Amit in 2015.

Joo Hyun Jung, on the other hand, has a record of seven wins, three losses and one draw with two knockouts.

The 23-year old orthodox fighter previously made a successful comeback after more than a year of in-activity. Joo won by a unanimous decision against Gwang Shik Na to capture the vacant South Korea bantamweight crown last October 8.

Joo took a leave of absence in boxing after he bowed to another Filipino Malcom Tunacao by a UD last May 22, 2014 in Kyoto, Japan. Prior to that, Joo was also inactive for more than a year after losing to Japanese Naoki Matsumoto by a majority decision on Nov. 4, 2012 in Osaka, Japan.

Joo is also a former South Korea flyweight champion from 2011 to 2012. -LITO DELOS REYES